The Impact of HRM Practices on Job Satisfaction in the Unicorn Startups of India: Exploring the Mediating Effect of Employee Engagement

This study explores the impact of Human Resource Management (HRM) practices on job satisfaction among employees in Indian unicorn startups. It also examines the role of employee engagement as a mediator between HRM practices and job satisfaction. Additionally, the study investigates the moderating effects of age and gender on the relationship between HRM practices and job satisfaction. The data is collected through structured questionnaires from 390 employees working in unicorn startups in Bengaluru, Delhi -NCR, and Mumbai and is analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling technique. The findings indicate that HRM practices positively influence job satisfaction, and employee engagement acts as a significant mediator between the two. However, the moderating effects of age and gender are insignificant. The study emphasizes the importance of effective HRM practices and employee engagement in promoting job satisfaction in Indian unicorn startups. It concludes that startups should prioritize implementing effective HRM practices to ensure employee satisfaction and engagement. This research contributes to the understanding of the relationship between HRM practices, employee engagement, and job satisfaction, particularly in the context of India's unicorn startups.